A little piece of heaven

Laughing Stock

2011-09-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel like the "laughing stock" of the town. I think mostly it comes from hauling these three little kiddos around everywhere I go. David has been gone a lot recently and between Ava's "mothering" of Aidan (anyone noticed that she likes that blue Mickey shirt?... if not, take a look back though the last couple of posts), everyone's opinions and spunk, and the craziness of life (I know everyone has it), I feel a little out of control. It could be when Aidan stepped into a hot tub at swimming lessons fully clothed to the boots, or went running back and forth through a huge mud puddle about 20 times, or maybe the four new scars he has on his face from the last two months...I think actually I just forgot what it means to have an (almost) two year old. This too shall pass... and I know I will miss it when it does.

Aidan...yes that is a black eye under that flour

Aidan our sweetie

Laundry Room Floor- this is what happened to David at 1 am when he was packing for his joint trip to DC/Switzerland after getting back the day before. I had used this Costco sized container of Tide 2 times... at least there was still enough for a couple of loads after all was said and done.

Ava's first day of school- she is loving it. She loves to tell everyone she plays the violin and speaks French, Yes, she learns both at her school, but I am pretty sure she hasn't really played yet and isn't quite fluent in French :) just yet.

After rock climbing this summer- Ethan easily made it to the top and Ava almost did- her first time- the girl has no fear.

Ethan's first day of school- loving it as usual. He likes his teacher, friends and is a happy boy unless he has to practice the piano with me :)

Swimming Champions- Ethan and Ava took swimming lessons this year. They give all the kids medals and announce them as "champions". You would have thought they were in the Olympics!!!

Funny Phrases

2011-08-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Fireworks... multiple times!!! Love the new aerial fireworks!

Great job Ethan!!!

Ava doing a "kick over"

David's Birthday!!!

We were at a friend's house the other day making snow cones and I was assigned to work on some shaved ice that had been in the freezer. I couldn't quite get it all soft and loose and said to our hostess, "I have one chunk that is being stubborn." Ethan walked up and said, "Who... who mom who, are you talking about me, am I the chunk that's being stubborn" - completely serious. I laughed... out loud in fact, and that takes a lot, ask David.

Tonight at the dinner table Ethan turned and said "Who kinda stinks, was it you Mom?". I looked at him in wonder and we figured out in reality he said, "Who got us drinks, was it you Mom?".

We are having such a fantastic summer. Of course there are far too many chores that don't get done, and things are definitely not perfect around here, but I kind of want to cry thinking of school starting again. I just love this time, it is so fun. We have done some fun adventures this summer: Mrs. Field's cookie tour, Gateway fountains, swimming, splash pads, water-skiing, hiking, Thanksgiving Point, David's parents coming home, fireworks, birthdays, Trio, and having fun with friends and family. To think about all the craziness that comes with school... I think they could probably learn all the same things in 4-5 hours a day, or 4 days a week...

Ethan is currently swimming in soccer- he has a tournament this week, one next week and finished his first one at the end of July- they took 2nd!!! Some of the kids looked like they were going to cry coming off the field, but not Ethan, he was ecstatic to get a medal! He is doing piano as well. Ava is doing gymnastics and soccer starts in 10 days! She wants to do dance and take piano, and I want her in swimming lessons... what to do, what to do. Aidan, well, he is just happy whenever he is with Gunga (Grandma or Grandpa) or when he has a cookie or cracker. He is starting to talk up a storm and has become quite opinionated in his 20 months. He makes everyone happy all of the time. As for David and I, we are coming up on 10 years at the end of the month. He sure puts up with a lot from me, but I couldn't be happier. Any suggestions for 10 year anniversaries... gifts or events???

Gotta Love em'

2011-02-03T21:25:00.000-08:00

On the freeway:

Mom: Aren't you guys glad we aren't on that side of the freeway, going the other direction?
Ethan: Why?
Mom: Because they are stopped, there must have been an accident, on one is moving at all!
Ava: Do you think it was a number one and number 2 accident? (completely serious)

Ethan and Mom: LOL

Random...or just the usual

2011-01-27T19:46:00.000-08:00

Life is good. Things have been CRAZY around here, like they are for almost everyone out there. It is with all good things, but it makes me wonder. I think about whether or not I am spending my time the way I REALLY want to. What is more important, gymnastics and kindermusik, piano and soccer, or playing a game together as a family and having free time to let your kids imaginations run wild?

Anyway, we have had a crazy life lately. On December 11 (wow, I can't believe it has been that long ago), I discovered that our dishwasher had been leaking (no Noth, I will not bring the mushrooms for the 3rd Sunday) and the following Saturday we left to Minnesota. We had a company come clean up the mess, and as of last Friday, our kitchen is finally put back together. We had to have about half of our lower cabinets replaced, floor, countertops and sink. We also have had the entire house painted- it will be finished tomorrow!!!! I love it. I am realizing now that the ALL WHITE walls, were probably not too good on the psyche. I am however loving our updated look- now we just need to do the cabinets (get them painted), carpet, railings, and a few key pieces of furniture (thank goodness David never looks at this blog!).

Here are a few shots of the last month or so:

Here is Miss Ava, the elf, helping at Zone Conference in Minnesota. The other day we had two plumbers hooking up our faucet. I was on the phone and came out as I knew Ava would be chattin' it up with any workmen. I asked if she was behaving herself and the one said, "Oh she is just telling us we are bald." I lightly scolded her (shame on me) and went into the other room to get off the phone. When I returned I heard the same plumber say, "Well maybe I am fat, but he's not", then turning towards me he said, "she is wondering if it is because we drink coffee, maybe we should change the subject." Oh Ava, nothing like that girl to brighten or ruin someone's day. She is always keeping me on my toes, or letting me know when I have been far too flat footed.

Ethan Man took 2nd place in his school spelling bee out of the 1st-2nd graders. The kid loved spelling the words out loud, and was so excited, it was really fun to watch him. He is still playing soccer and we are thinking about starting him in piano. Junior Jazz is about to end, and we can't have any free time now can we... (see above).

Love my little family. This is Christmas day, we were able to attend a baptism in Minnesota of a great family with four children. It was awesome!

Aidan turned one!!!! The sweetest little guy who is starting to get very opinionated!!! He and Ethan share a room now and Aidan woke Ethan up every morning and Ethan pulled him into bed to play!! Conspirators, those two early birds- it was 6:20 am)! I am not sure about this room sharing thing with Aidan, but hey, the paint colors had to be boy and girl, so Ethan and Ava were no longer able to share ;) Aidan started walking within the last couple of weeks and loves to walk back and forth. He also loves to empty everything out of anything he can get his hands on and spends way too much time in the toilet. If anyone has suggestions on teaching older kids how to flush the flippin' thing, I may pay you for this bit of advice and my children will be grateful of of their days- all of them for different reasons of course.

Happy January!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

A Native American :), BatGirl, a Tiger and a Jack O' Lantern... oh wait that's Ethan. Here is what we looked like on Halloween... ya David and I were kind of lame in the dressing up department this year. Happy Fall!!!!

Aidan- 11 months

2010-11-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I hardly post about Aidan, but considering he is the one who changes the most, I just wanted to catch up on him. Aidan will be 11 months old this week. He has eight teeth, pulls up on everything and pushes walking toys around. If he is ready for a nap or bed, I put him in his bed with his blanket, walk out and shut the door. It is a rarity that I hear a sound come from his room. He is sweet and tolerant of pretty much everyone and everything unless that "everyone" happens to be his 4 year old sister who is treating him like a stuffed doll. But he adores her almost more than anyone because of the attention she gives him. He refuses to wave or clap but thinks it is hilarious when other babies wave and clap, and when he gets overly tired, he usually gets the giggles.

Love this BABY!!!

Ava is 4!!!

2010-11-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Let me tell ya bout' a girl with sass, charm, and attitude. She is sweet as molasses and sly as a fox, and figures out a way to get most anything she wants. Her name: Ava and she had a birthday and a great one at that. We painted her toenails and finger nails 5 different colors, and she walked out of the house in full neon, with silly bands up her arms, rings on three fingers and her hair in a side pony... just the way she wanted it with NO input from me!

We had a great day with breakfast and presents, Thanksgiving Point with Halle, and the Bouncy Place with our family. The great thing about Ava (and ya it may have everything to do with her age) is she loves Loves LOVES everything!!! She has so much enthusiasm for life. She is really proud of herself lately at not being bossy (which she has worked very hard on) and she can do a great headstand! She is loving soccer, gymnastics, school, friends, and especially her halloween candy! Happy Birthday miss Ava. We love you!!!

Quick Update

2010-10-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ava- could not be more excited for her birthday in 4 days!!!! She doesn't miss telling anyone about the two goals she scored in one game this season in soccer. She is happy and crazy and an angel, but has an awful hard time keeping her little paws off her baby brother. She is taking gymnastics and loves doing back bends. She loves carrying around her Hello Kitty purse full of all her treasures.

Aidan is as fantastic as can be except his eating issues. The last couple of days he refuses to eat anything that is not sweet. He shuts his mouth, smells things, and turns his head. Guess it is time to go sugar free until his birthday. He is as sweet as he could possibly be- gives head bonks (softly most of the time) and is pulling himself up on everything. He finally has changed from army crawling to regular crawling and is happy 99% of the time. He is a snuggler, has tooth number 8 coming in, and loves everyone.

Ethan lost his front tooth tonight! We were driving home and he screamed for about 5 seconds (drama runs through the Howell blood in him) and then when we got home, he touched it and it came out! He has read three Jack and Annie books in the last three days, is loving soccer and excited for Junior Jazz to start. He is loving first grade and all he is doing but just wants to add violin lessons and foreign language class after school...ya, sorry bud.

A word...or two... about Minnesota

2010-09-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

In August we went to Minnesota to visit my in-laws, and anyone who has talked to me in the previous 4 months knows I had some concerns about the Boundary Waters experience we were going to have- canoeing, portaging all of our gear (children, food, tents, sleeping bags, clothes, porta-crib, etc.), camping with our three children, and having no access to civilization in case of an emergency. Well, we went and had a FABULOUS time on the trip- Boundary water, Canada, Minneapolis, Blue Fin Bay, staying on Lake Superior, and just being together. But just to prove (ya, I am that kind of pathetic) that my concerns were not totally irrational...

My in-laws took David's brother and sister and their families to boundary waters this past week. During the second night, they heard a bear outside of their tents in their camp - my bro-in-law was banging pots and pans, screaming, and doing all he could to scare it away (He has a three year old and baby just older than Aidan). It came back two more times that night- clawed through all of their water bottles, egg container, and ruined a bunch of other things. They were all wide awake at 5 am and packed up to go home... smart decision.

Good bye summer and hello fall!!!

Quotables

2010-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ava was being babysat a couple of weeks ago. My sister and her kids had been here for the last few weeks from London and apparently she was trying to imitate the English accent, talking like a Brit as Ethan likes to call it. He asked her what she was doing and she responded, "I'm talking like an English Muffin."

The other day I was taking Ethan to school and he told me that this boy at his school was really fat. I told him that is not really a polite thing to say and he said, "I know, a nicer way is to call him puffy."

SUMMER!!!!!

2010-06-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

Summer has been awesome to say the least! I was so worried we were going to be bored and unproductive- honestly the way I kind of remember summers as a kid (sorry Mom), but we have been staying more than busy and having a blast! I love summer and having my kids at home. I made job charts for my kids, and if I would have known how much mileage I would have gotten out of them, wow, I would have done them a LONG time ago. I guess I have done them before, but slacked after Aidan was born, and I am back!

I took my storm door off our front door and let me say, I feel empowered! Ya, I realize it doesn't take much. It was on it's last leg, scratching the cement every time you open the door, and I was always self conscious about knocking little kids off our tiny cement square atop our steps. It feels more inviting now... yes, I am easy to please, and I did it myself!

Also, I got a great desk from my sis-in-law which was supposed to be for Ethan and Ava, but the only place it will fit is in our bedroom, so... I may just have to use it for myself! Again, put it up myself and am proud! Now it is time to start some real projects!

We have also been having a blast this summer! Today we went to Park City and rode the Alpine Slide, Alpine Coaster and the kids did the mega tramp thing. It was awesome! We have been boating, hiking, played with friends, painting, playing soccer, reading, learning bits of Spanish, and loving the summer!

I hope these are not the best days of my life, because I don't want to think that it goes down hill from this point. But I have to say, it has been a fantastic summer. I am sure I will be wallowing before long, but today the outlook is good! Have a great summer!

Ava about Aidan

2010-05-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

The other day I had been cleaning out Aidan's clothes... you know, putting away the ones that are too small and getting out the new size. Ava was looking at them and asked why I was packing them up.

Me: They are too small for Aidan. Don't you think we should put them in the basement or should we just leave them here just in case we have another baby.

Ava (completely serious): Leave them here. I think we should take Aidan back to the hospital and trade him for a girl baby.

Me: WHAT?? You want to give Aidan back? We love Aidan!

Ava (looking like she knew she did something wrong): I want a girl baby! Or we can keep him and have two babies.

Glad she feels like she is making the decisions... too bad she is not. Hmmm...maybe she is not as attached as she leads us to believe.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

All weekend David kept telling me that he had not had time to get me anything and was really worried. He said one thing, really really small, to which I said, "You always say that and you are always lying" to which he gave me a really bugged look... what if this time he was serious? I didn't want him to feel too bad... (ok I totally would actually, but he actually did great so no worries).

Well, I heard David and Ethan making breakfast early Sunday morning, and because of the rough night sleep, I just hid under the blanket and fell back asleep. I was not in the mood... then I remembered last years Mother's Day. I was grumpy... and bugged. I had expectations... some were met and some were not. The day started out ok, and went south in the afternoon. And here I was grumpy again because I was so tired. And then I remembered- I am a Mother.

I had a friend last week say, "Is it so bad that the one thing I want for Mother's Day to to be away from the people who call me Mother?". Another and I were talking about our favorite time of day being at night when they all are asleep. Motherhood is tiring. Monotonous. A constant battle for me... listen to the whole story, even if it is 22 minutes long; don't yell, don't yell, don't yell... they are almost in bed; don't sweat the small stuff, people are more important; I am so sorry I ________!!!;

Yet nothing is so wonderful, so satisfying, so heart melting, so slobbery, so fulfilling and motivating and hopeful as being a Mother. I love it! I am thankful every day multiple times that I have the opportunity to be ... a mother! Being a wife and mother are by far the two roles I hold dearest, and the ones that make me happiest. I am stretched and beaten down countless times, but I would not get up and try try again (HELP ME!!!!), if it were not for these I hold dearest.

This year Mother's Day was wonderful... even though I was the only one awake at my house by 7:30 pm. (Dave did wake back up a bit before nine). I thought about being a mother, and read about being a mother. I want to be deliberate, to help them find and create their dreams, to be so busy living and loving, that I don't have time to get mad (until tomorrow when they won't clean their room after I have asked 76 times). To be focused on the blessing of being a mother. I love it. My expectations were not high this year, and they were more than met.

We also went and saw my angel mother. She is amazing to me. I don't have her temperment. I wish I did. I don't have here patience, her listening ear, her calm nature, her controlled tongue- I wish I had all these qualities. I never remember her getting mad at me in my entire life. She tells me it is selective memory. I think of her often as I am mothering our children. Do-bi-do bi- doo she hums still as she goes about her daily tasks. I am thankful for her, and have high hopes of developing part of one of her qualities I mentioned above. Do-bi-do-bi-dooo. Just need to start humming. Happy Mother's Day!!!

April 1st- the best day of the year and that is no joke!

2010-05-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

April 1st is an amazing day here at the Howell Residence. Not only is is April Fool's Day (always fun), spring is in the air, summer clothes fill our closets (from the boxes down stairs, not the stores) but we have our DAD/HUSBAND back!!!!! And this year to top it all off, we went to the happiest place on earth... it was awesome!!!!!

Princesses, Jedi's, roller coasters, treats, Splash Mountain, Pirates, Mickey and everything else that comes with Disneyland. We have never been on a real family vaca before... I mean a couple of small things here and there, but this was so much fun. We worried about the lines being spring break and all, but the rain kept many away the first day and after that...we used fast passes and parent swaps and had a blast! Disneyland for two days and Legoland for one. We were within walking distance to Disneyland and our kids did great! I think we started a new tradition- having a trip planned and BOOKED the week after busy season is over!!!

Happy Easter 2010

2010-05-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, it was early...

But oh so so fun!!!!

After Easter morning festivities we watched the morning session of General Conference and left to California!!!!! The happiest place on earth!

For my sister who lives on another continent... some pictures of Aidan

2010-03-02T20:33:00.000-08:00

Aidan Mark Howell

Aidan being held by his Great Grandma Howell (3 weeks old)

Aidan, Ethan and Ava

Aidan on his blessing Day

I was informed today by my sister-in-law (it was fun to chat with you!) that Aidan is the number 1 name for 2009... I have decided that not only are we not unique in any way, shape, or form, we are completely and totally one of the masses when it comes to naming our children. I would like to think we are trend setters, but millions of others are setting the same trend at the exact same time as we are... dus, not trend setters. Our kids were born in the late fall... Ava (born 10/06) was the most popular baby name for a girl in 2006 (that did not come out until 2007 mind you) and Ethan (11/03) was the second most popular boy name for 2003 (which again was not public knowledge until 2004, and yes, both of these were after we named our children). Hmmm... next time we are going to have to go with something like Dandylion...I am guessing that won't top any charts...I have some new ones of Aidan smiling Ames ... I will download them sometime when it is not so late :)

Have a good day all!

Christmas Day!

2010-01-16T20:04:00.001-08:00

Up early to see if Santa has come... ok. let's be honest, Ethan caught before 6am looking into the living room that was being guardrd by stools...bar stools :). This picture was taken late, alittle before 7 am.

Ava got a new baby doll- it sits down and stands up by itself, plays peekaboo, cries when it falls down and a lot of other things-crazy!

Ethan the Ninja Turtle Native American... what can I say...

Ava posing for the camera- never a problem!

It was a wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Time

2010-01-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

December was a great month at our house! We had the house decorated, much of the shopping done and left a lot undone that we normally might do because of our new little guy. Christmas Eve was spent with the Howells and we had a great time- an early lunch with the nativity, compliments, great dessert and an early night which is good because Christmas Eve never ends early at our house. Here are just a few shots of what went on before the actual day!

AIDAN MARK HOWELL was named on Christmas Eve- Whew!!! Fastest record in naming a child for us!

The Nativity on Christmas Eve with the Howells- Ethan as the angle/shepherd and Ava as Mary

An extra SPARKLY Mary and Joseph in the Nativity

Ava during her Christmas program at Draper Theater! She still practices singing for her program and refuses to let anyone join her!

Ethan the Powder Maniac- His parka somehow got left at home, but it didn't deter him a bit. He skied in the powder all day and never wanted to go home- like father like son I guess.

Merry Christmas!!!

ONE WEEK TODAY!!!

2009-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday morning we had our sweet baby BOY and he is wonderful!!! Besides being confused on what is day and what is night, he could not be a better baby. Of course we still have not named him, but December 31 is a motivating deadline for David so we should have a name before too long. Any suggestions are welcome as well! Here are some pictures!!! Obviously we didn't take enough pictures in the hospital or I'd post a different one of me :0). Ava is in lala land and playing mommy- the one rule is not to touch him while he is sleeping (and you have to wash your hands before you touch him actually), but she breaks the first multiple times a day. She is in heaven playing mommy with him and football with Ethan. Ethan loves him as well, his attention span on for babies is just not quite as long. Anyway, we are all doing well and love this little guy to pieces! Hope everyone is having a great holiday season!!!

Come On Baby!!!

2009-11-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

Need I say more??? Ethan was 6 days early and Ava was 17... my hopes were obviously too high and now I feel like everywhere I go people are wondering why I am there...as am I actually! Any guesses on when this baby might come? There may even be a prize for the winner...

October Festivities!

2009-11-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Ava's birthday party was quite a hit! Christi dressed up like Cinderella and the girls were all in lala land. More than one told their parents how the REAL Cinderella came despite the fact that Ava kept calling her Christi- thanks Christi!

Just a couple of pics to document halloween 2009. David dressed up like a nerd for trick-or-treating. I think our entire neighborhood knows him just a bit better now, and many were shocked as he walked away with toilet paper hanging out the back of his pants and as they heard his ever so endearing nerd voice.

Ethan was Harry Potter, and Ava was princess Ava except for trick-or-treating, she was a Lion so she wouldn't freeze. The picture above is when we went to Omniture where our brother-in-law Brandon works. The owner's theme for his department was the Smurff's, so we are pictured here with the Smurff's, and they were as nice as they seem on TV when I was young. We had a great time- thanks Brandon!

I think I officially hit that part of pregnancy ... less than 4 weeks to go and counting everyday! Too bad I need to get Christmas figured out between now and then. This time of year is going to take sink me every year!

A month of Firsts

2009-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a month of firsts for Ethan- He had his first day of Kindergarten, learned to ride a two-wheeler bike for the first time, swam length wise by himself across the swimming pool, and last night he lost his first tooth!!! He was so excited he could hardly stand it. He was eating pasta and had it suddenly in his hand. He also said, "If you believe enough, the tooth fairy will bring you gum and money!" Well he believed (or so I thought) and the tooth fairy brought two packages of gum along with the money, and then this morning he said, "I didn't even really believe and I still got gum"... hmmm, at least he will enjoy the gum.

Latest Howell Happenings

2009-09-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

Just a little update on what is going on with us, along with some pictures. It has been a great summer and I can feel fall knocking at the door - Come On In! I love fall and can not wait for the apples on my parents tree to be ready to pick for applesauce, apple nutmeg cake, apple pie, apple cider... yes we will be tired of apples come December.

I have found that my house is a little cleaner since I can't do much to get ready for our baby yet - I am sure the clothes would have least been out and sorted if we new the gender, but I am guessing it is a girl (I gotta have something to blame my moodiness on). We went and saw a friends preemie baby this week who weighs 5 lbs 7 oz and she is just so teeny- 12 more long weeks for us! We still have not made any headway on baby names, so feel free to share- we need all the help we can get! I gave Dave a list of about ten names of each gender probably 2-3 weeks ago and I don't think he has even looked at it yet!

Ethan started Kindergarten and loves it! He loves his teacher and is doing great in his school work! Ava started preschool and also loves it! She asks me everyday if I am going to miss her and laughs when I say how much I will miss her. They both did a reading program at the library this summer and received free cookies from Cookies By Design (see below- they are yummy!), and they get free taco's, Carl's Junior Kids Meals and both got free books- love the library!

First Days of School

Swimming in St.George- We went to St. George with my family. We had a great time in the lava caves, the crack, on the hydrotube, and swimming!

Here is Ethan in Wizard of Oz- he loved it!

Summer time news

2009-07-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Back and after only a couple months! First and foremost, for any who have not seen me in a while (because if you have seen me lately you definitely already know), we are having another baby!!!

We are so excited and just had an ultrasound, to which I was true to my promise of not finding out the gender... and now I am wondering if I am going to regret keeping that end of the bargain! Ahhh, so, let me know your guesses and any suggestions to baby names as well. David committed to help have four boy names and four girl names one month before we go to the hospital so hopefully this child will receive a name before being two months old. Anyway, we are thrilled for December 5th, and I am hoping the debut of this child is about two weeks early ( I guess I better get started on that Christmas shopping now!).

I went to Girl's Camp a few weeks ago which was awesome except the drive home with my good friend, Julie, and her husband, our bishop. I threw up the entire way home. The following week Ava got dehydrated and was throwing up over and over for about 9 hours and three days later, Ethan got some bug and was throwing up all night- hopefully we have had our fair share and get a little break now, but I have done enough laundry to last me for the summer. Maybe that is why I have that huge pile in the laundry room and the other in my room... oh well.

Anyway, we went to Minnesota at the end of June for Paulos's wedding and had a great time- waterskiing, canoeing, touring Minneapolis with Segways, and going to the Children's museum. The wedding festivities were awesome and we love our new sister-in-law, Jessica! The following week I went to Girl's Camp which was great as well- you never quite know how it is going to go, but everything went very well! Besides that, Ethan is going to be in Wizard of Oz at Draper Historic Theatre in August as one of the Lollipop guild munchkins. Ava is officially potty trained (wahoo!!!) and without any ruined underwear! The kids were able to be in the children's parade downtown which was a lot of fun, but the 100+ degree weather surely started Ava's dehydration. We are loving having my sister, Amy, and her kids in town, swimming, and loving the summer... it just goes by far too quickly!

Hello Shar!!!!

2009-05-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Happenings...

Busy season.... ahhhhh, I was looking forward to it being over for probably 10 weeks and it seems like it has lasted about 6 past those ten weeks... any suggestions people??? Ethan has started spring soccer and is doing awesome! He loves it and also just tried out to be in a play. He also wants to start karate, T-ball, and piano. I tried to tell him how busy that would be with going to school everyday next year to which he replied "Ok, I don't want to do school then."

Many people have commented that Ava looks like a future cheerleader (to which I respond "NO, soccer player with extra energy") and I have decided that our children have more of Dave's blood in them than my own- lucky kids, although I think I may die of exhaustion. She is full of energy and smiles. She played with her little buddy Halle today and squirted her with a spray bottle relentlessly (it is ok, they were having a water fight). I think she enjoyed being the predator instead of the prey for once. One thing I really admire about Ava is her happiness- she can make anyone smile anytime. Funny girl!

David is starting soccer and frisbee teams (he is playing on them) and coaching Ethan's soccer team. He is hoping to cut his work hours down and get some stuff done around the house (we are also hoping). I am loving staying at home with my kids- challenging in a very different sort of way, but SO much fun and very rewarding. I love step class at the gym (Ashley at Lifetime fitness should receive and award!), being outside, and having wonderful friends (some of which are also family)!!! I am starting to garden this summer with my sis-in-law and am hoping our yard looks better in a month than it does currently.

We are looking forward to the summer- Dave's brother getting married in Minnesota, my sister coming from England, and hopefully a little less of hanging out at the big EY for David.

Shar, since you are probably the only one who ever checks my blog (not that I blame anyone, it's not like there is much "news" on this thing and this may be my last post ever, nahhh)... this one is for you! Obviously, here I am and it only took me a day- MIRACULOUS! I do still get on my website to get to other blogs :) But, I never look at my comments! This must be fate.... hmmm, I will start thinking about my favorite restaurant. And next Friday, I will set up 3 step benches :) You are awesome!!!

Dear Santa...

2008-12-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

Last week we went to the mall to see Santa- Ethan was scared and wanted Ava to go first, but since she wouldn't go near Santa, Ethan piped up from a few feet away. " I want carmel hot chocolate, an Indiana Jones whip and video games." Ava said "treat" through her trembling voice and that was about it. I considered the trip a success besides that fact that I didn't get pictures because Ethan's hair was a mess and he was wearing some mismatched attire and I would have had to pay $5 to take pictures with my own camera... does it make me old to be able to vividly remember the days when you could take pictures of your kids with Santa without having to pay for it???

Well today Ethan had his "Winter Sing" which was awesome! On the way to school he said he can't go to Challenger next year because Santa comes every year. He was terrified of Santa- the girls on each side of him both said they would hold his hand when Santa came (he is scared of his ho ho ho, and his fat tummy apparently). Well, when his turn came up his teacher held his had and walked him up to see Santa- no matter that he is the tallest kid in the class and was the only one who had to have his hand held to get within a few feet of Santa. He got close to Santa and said, "I want a bell from your sleigh Santa." When Santa asked what else he wanted for Christmas he said, "I already told you, at the mall remember!" With all those kids he hears from, I guess Santa forgets some conversations, but at least he remembered when Ethan reminded him. I love this time of year!

It's the most wonderful time!!!!!

2008-11-25T08:25:00.000-08:00

I can think of some talents that I have, many that others have, and some I would love to to develop ( and some, others would like for me to develop), but one is the ability to tell a great story, whether it be through writing or verbally. I have been addicted to the following blog, www.cjane.blogspot.com- I could read her stuff all day. Granted, she she has a much different, more emotional story to tell, but she can tell it in an amazing way. Others I know have a similar talent (SPW), who I can listen to all day and laugh no matter how grumpy I am. I wonder if this is a talent than can be developed or if it is just a gift...

Next, I have seen other posts asking this same question, but in light of the upcoming holidays, what are your favorite traditions? We have some in our home that we have adopted from our families of origin, some we have heard about and even a couple we have come up with on our own (that is good for someone as uncreative as I am). Our kids are at the ages when they are up for anything and make us feel great about anything we are willing to do- but we would still like to have the best traditions we can, so if you have any you love, please feel free to share.

One we will start on Sunday is hot chocolate and Christmas books every Sunday evening between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ethan has been talking about it for weeks and I think he thinks it is every night, but that will all get straightened out I am sure. Another one we do is watch Scrooge (while we put up Christmas decorations), and we sing it most days during the holiday season and some days in the summer actually. We have tried the "Last Straw" which usually means Ethan picks up a toy, and then puts away stuff Ava is playing with, I am trying to cook with or finds a new spot for things that are already put away- this lasts about 1-2 days and then I spend the rest of the season trying to put the straw in the "easily stored" (always falling down) manger that collapses any time anyone touches the table in our living room.

Happy Holidays!!!

What else we have been up to

2008-11-12T21:05:00.000-08:00

Ethan and Ava both had great birthdays. David and I did as well, but I don't think we took any pictures of them- sad. I don't know if Ava has been happier in her life than when all her cousins sang happy birthday to her and cheered when she blew the candles out. She got tons of dress up shoes and princess stuff- ahhh, life is so good. Ethan went to "the bouncy place" and then we had a planet party- he won nearly every game, so he was psyched as well! He also got a birthday crown at school, here it is!

OK, I think that is about enough of us for a while!

And.... we're back!!!!

2008-11-12T20:46:00.001-08:00

David got the computer fixed last night- hurray!!! So, here I am with updates!!! Here are a few pics from England. I have to say, we had the best time! My sister and her family were fabulous hostesses/hosts, were so fun and planned great things for us to do. We had so much fun walking to school, riding scooters, playing at parks (Ethan particularly liked the pirate ship one), going to castles, listening to Hannah Montana, going into London, riding the train, meeting all their friends, eating great food (Amy is an awesome cook) and just being together. Here are some England pics...

Ava got hit with a swing in the eye- you can see the first time that happened a few posts back

Buckingham palace, David, Kari, Ethan, Ava and Marta

Frisbee in Hyde Park
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Take it on easy!

2008-10-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hello! A while ago I told David to leave his car out so he wouldn't wake us all up when he went to an early meeting, it snowed, so he took my car (because his wouldn't start as he had previously told me it wouldn't). Then yesterday, his car wouldn't start- "take it on easy" was Ethan's reply. He left at 5:00 am this morning, Ethan and Ava both woke up, I decided to take it on easy and went back to sleep. They didn't go back to sleep :)

OK, now is the time for the update... I haven't done any blogging recently and rather than bore anyone who does decide to look at this not anymore forsaken blog, I will just give the recent updates. Ethan turned five last week and Ava turned two three weeks ago. Halloween was actually very fun, even though David was out of town. After going through 50+ costume options, Ethan finally decided to be a scarecrow and was one for three Halloween events. But, as we were walking out the door to go trick-or-treating, he changed his mind and was superman...ahhhh, what do you do? Wash your face and change your clothes and go to three less doors. We had a great time.

Quotable Qoute

2008-07-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

So, we are having computer issues which is why I haven't posted anything about our FABULOUS trip to England- it is always better with pictures. However, Ethan did say something today that made me laugh, so hopefully it will make someone else chuckle as well!

I was asking Ethan about people he knew who were at a meeting we went to last week:

Kari: Do you know Debbie?
Ethan: Is she that green girl (she was wearing a green shirt that day)
Kari: Yes! That's right.
Ethan: She was nice to me, she let me into the nursery
Kari: Her name is Debbie Moody
Ethan: Why Moody (Actually it was "Why Bootie" but I thought he said Moody)
Kari: Because that is her last name, like ours is Howell.
Ethan: That's funny, Bootie, like Butt, Debbie Butt
Kari: No Ethan, Moody, not bootie
Ethan: Oh Moody

We will try to post some pictures soon!!!!

Update

2008-04-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

As I was looking through these pictures I noticed that many of them had one thing in common. Can you tell what it is??? It may not be obvious to the untrained eye, but in about 12 or so pictures, I noticed Ava or Ethan eating Reeses Peanut Butter Cups- they seem to be the candy of choice for our family. Happy Easter to Ethan and Ava!!! They each must have had at least 5.

Ok, so I am not addicted to blogging, but here are some of our happenings as of late! Busy season is over!!!! And let me tell you there is life after busy season. We have been getting in as much play time as possible to make up for the first three months of the year. David and I went skiing, David took Ethan skiing, we went to the Bounce place (as Ethan calls it) and Ethan ran his first race!!! Elmo was probably the highlight of the race, but the medal and T-shirt have been Ethan's new obsessions. He did a great job and ran the entire way!! We have also been to a few Jazz games (GO JAZZ) and as the Jazz dancers were throwing shirts to the crowd, I cheered and yelled trying to get one and the dancer basically started telling me I had to dance and be more excited to get one- through body language of course, so I did- and now Ethan's running shirt has been replaced with an adult large Jazz shirt- which he has to wear pants- not shorts- with so he doesn't look like he is wearing a dress. Here are some pre-race pictures from the SLC 5K and 1K for Ethan- I am doomed to have an entire family of morning people (and yes, it is 12:38 am as I write this post)- one of these kids is not like the others.

Ethan has decided our family is the Berenstain Bears- except we don't live in a tree- but we do have Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister. And after he watched "Cheaper By the Dozen" one night, he called Dad the next day to say, "I want a pet for a frog". Since neither David or I are into cats, and we are not ready for a dog, we thought that would probably be a good idea. We shall see if it amounts to anything. On Sunday I walked in on Ethan's pretend play time, and heard him saying how he was going to cut off someone's head and stick his knife in him- I quickly said I didn't like that kind of talk and didn't think that was a good way to play to which he responded "I am Nephi and getting the brass plates". Hmmm... didn't quite know what to say to that. Ok, I am probably good to go for at least a month... have a good night!

By the way- is everyone LOVING Idol??? Sad that Carly is gone- but, the rest I won't miss too much. I am thinking Syesha could be next on the list... any thoughts???

My Life...

2008-03-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

I just posted an novel about all the craziness that has gone on the past couple of weeks, but I wanted to shed some light on our happy little lives here in the Drape. When someone asks the question, "What's new?", I don't feel like I really have a lot to say, but I must say that we have an amazing little world. Ethan and Ava are purelt hilarious and make me laugh and smile multiple times a day. A couple of the new favorite things are:
- Ava blowing bubbles in the bath and saying "buhbuh"
- Ava tickling Ethans "buhbuh" aka belly button every night and him laughing hysterically
- Ethan doing great in school, kindermusick, soccer and with friends (We love you Pede and Pord) and daily saying, "Mom...(waiting for a response), "yes Ethan", "...I love you"
- Ethan getting up at 6 am to be with David and them hanging out for 45 minutes while David gets ready, both talking incredibly loud and me pretending to be asleep but hearing every word.
- David finding time to do really good and important things, even though he is absolutely drowning in work.
- Ethan writing his name (Ethan Howell)
- Ava going up the ladder and down the slide multiple times on her own and getting her own diaper and wipes (today is was one wipe...no, that does not work) and all of her accomplishments.
- The park by our house which is currently a second home to me- love it!! And with the nice weather, we often have visitors at our second home!

I have wonderful and amazing friends and we have wonderful and amazing family members- thanks to you all!!!

Scoop of the weeks...

2008-03-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Ava's Black Eye (and tongue)

So I have anxiously been awaiting this time of year for the past two and a half months. For some reason, by the end of February I feel like my life is over as I know it, have a couple of freak episodes about David's long working hours, and then 2 weeks later- I see the light! David's busy season ends March 31st- no, not about the end of March, but the END of March or so he says:)). I know what day I have to get to, and you can do anything for two weeks right???

Well, two weeks ago, Ethan ended up with that flu that has been going around. He was sick with a high temp. and aches for 3-4 days (I know it could have been worse)and he is a little dramatic to put it nicely.

A week ago Sunday was David's sisters homecoming, which was amazing and a great day. Ava sat quietly on my lap from the beginning of the meeting until the end and didn't even want to go to David (unheard of). I thought I must be getting some type of deserved (HA!) blessing...but I should have known something was up. She was very clingy all day, the same but whinier the next and the next, and finally Tuesday evening started a fever. You'd think I would figure it out before the fever, but alas, 101.8 degreesnand I took her to the Doctor. Of course it was 6:40 pm and the on-call doctor was an African American woman (sorry, but can any of you imagine a caucasion man doing this?). She looked in her ear, jumped back and screamed- yes, really, I am not much of an exaggerator, so maybe a yelp (for lack of a better word) is a better description. She said it was a 9 or a 10 (??? on a scale of 1-10 I asked?) and prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. That was Tuesday (well Sunday - Tuesday I guess).

Wednesday night while at the park, she walked in front of a moving swing someone had jumped off and it hit her right in the eye. She has had a black eye for a week and I have had no less than 20 people mention calling DCFS on me- thank goodness for witnesses- phew!

On Saturday Ethan came down with another fever and missed his soccer game and a play with Grandma and Grandpa Whisenant, and I missed a wedding reception. We left early from church on Sunday so that we wouldn't get his little friends sick being too close to them in class.

Ethan complained so bad about his teeth over the past week (the cavitity was HUGE and I HATE tooth pain) that we took him for an emergency trip to the dentist yesterday, who was tripled booked because of my request (Thanks Dr. Stucki who would never in 10 million years read this). That was Monday.

Then to top it all off, Ethan slammed his finger in the car door (blue, purple and swollen), screamed for 35 minutes until the IBprofen kicked in and then we went to get Frosty's because they make everything better. At the park later, he hit is face on the slide, fell of the slidy thing and hurt his jaw. That was today!!!

Ok, sorry about the boring travel log of negative happenings, but I just have to wonder, what do I have to look forward to during the next 13 days? Forget the next two weeks, what will happen tomorrow???

American Idol... who is yours??

2008-03-01T21:06:00.001-08:00

Ok, so did anyone wonder if Brook Wight was LDS after she told Simon that she and her husband had never seen an R-Rated movie in their lives? There are two LDS singers in the top 16 this season on AI and I just wonder, when is AI going to come to Utah for auditions??

So, David Archuleta... Simon, you are right as usual, he is the one to beat. What was up with AlexAndrea and her hug to him after to final song though??? Thoughts anyone? Anyway, I loved his rendition of 'Imagine' and I had previously been tired of that song since my junior year...in high school! The kid can sing and I love his song choices! Ok, so here are my top picks for AI (in order):

David Archuleta
Carly Smithson
Michael Johns

I also like Jason C. and Brooke Wight in my own way. Not that I think they will win or should, but they just seem like "shiny happy people" if you know what I mean.

I am not sad to anyone gone who is gone although I would have liked Alaina to stay another week- I could have chosen someone else to go in her place. My picks for the top 16 would include all but: Danny, Luke, Kady, and Amanda. Danny's voice is good actually, but ... we'll leave it at that for now. Am I to into this??? Please, don't answer that...

What can you do in 24 hours???

2008-03-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

Last night I had GNO with some friends (you know Girls Night Out for those of you who have been away too long, like myself) and we had a great time! The food was amazing - I must have had 8 dipped strawberries, and a ton of salad, bread and fruit-the company was fabulous, and the stories made me cry with laughter! Let me see if I can jog some memories out there; homemade pink taffeta Easter hats, wiping food of your childs face with your finger and licking your finger, lace collars that look like bibs, dating height requirements...ahhh, it is fun to remember the days of yesteryear and fun to get home after 10:30 pm!

This morning we had our neighborhood fitness assessment. It went...ok I guess. We started off doing sit-ups and while I was going as fast as possible, Ava walked right into the line of fire and caught my elbow in her face. Needless to say, I didn't do so hot the rest of the minute. My run went ok except for the wind- the only reason I ALWAYS would prefer a treadmill- and I have been coughing ever since, but it is not the sick cough people have been having for weeks - knock on wood.

Ethan's soccer game could not have been more of a highlight for him or myself for that matter. David stayed home from work this morning to attend and stood by Ethan every time he had the chance. Dave's parents and two sisters also came and I think Ethan was happier during his game than he was on Christmas morning. If any of you know Dave, his parents and sister, Christi (probably anyone who would read this does :)), you know they are more enthusiastic than a high school varsity cheerleading squad at the state championships- well, my little four year old had all that enthusiasm bouncing off him in a small gym full of four year olds. His cheeks must have been sore from grinning, mine were :) He played better today than I think he ever has, despite all his GQ looks at the camera. He got to the ball and kicked it over and over while he was in. Thank you for your support Grandma, Grandpa, Christi and LB!!! We came home for a quick lunch and celebration for Ethan's great soccer playing- with nothing other than oreo ice-cream!

After naps, we went to see my parents and Ethan made cookies with Grandma Whisenant and did puzzles. She even let him put the eggs in the cookie dough (huh??? He is only four, and I still have a hard time making sure no shell gets whatever concoction I am drumming up). Needless to say, so much attention in one day made him a very happy little guy.

American Idol... my guilty pleasure

2008-02-19T22:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, so after watching the top 12 guys tonight, I have my picks of who I think should make it to the top 12. Here we go:

Michael Johns
David Archuleta (Murray High!!)
David Cook
Jason C.

Top two are my top two. We'll see how tomorrow plays out!

When it rains it pours!

2008-02-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

Ok, when I get into this blogging thing, you get the whole bit. Here are a couple more past times for us...

Ava is still as crazy as always. She has found a new favorite hiding place (see below)- under the kitchen sink. After she opened and tasted dish washing detergent two times (Yes I have felt horrible guilt over this b/c supposedly it is the worst type of detergent to ingest), although in small amounts, I moved it to the counter top (I know I should just get the child locks!). Well, she seemed to think it was an open invitation and proceeded a few days later to mover her shoes into the cupboard under the kitchen sink- 4 pairs actually, and one loner shoe. She loves to climb in and hide in the back corner- to which I kindly pull her out over and over each day. Here she is coming out of hiding from her favorite spot!!!

Also, Ethan is an awesome helper. I think I treat him like he is 10 sometimes, but check it out- he made his bed by himself!!!! And you should have seen it before! I think he follows in Dave's footsteps of perfectionism sometimes. He folds towels, vacuums (not perfectly by any means), and does other jobs- I love it!!!

Other happenings this week: Ava has climbed into the bath tub fully dressed and turned on the water (three times), Ethan spilled a bowl of cereal (not a bite had been taken) with milk onto our lovely carpeted kitchen floor, Ava dumped macaroni and cheese on the same lovely carpeted kitchen floor, Ava fell down the stairs (only 6, she barely cried)- she has been trying to teach herself to go up and down like an adult (up two stairs- walk down frontwards over and over), and Dave and I beat my parents in spades 503-150ish. Ahhh... we hope your lives can all be as eventful as ours are!

Busy Season is upon us

2008-02-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

In the bleak mid winter... David's hours are insane this time of year, so here are some images of what we have been doing to stay busy. I wanted Ethan and Ava to be closer in age, but they are absolutely best friends, it is pretty dang fun to be a part of the party!!! And babe, we love you!!!

One of Ava's favorite past times is dancing and Ethan has been really into his puzzles lately, which he does "all by himself, super fast".

Drinking our daily hot chocolate: Pick a flaver, currently we have mint truffle, milk chocolate, milk chocolate wit marshmellows, chocolate carmel, chocolate cinnamon, hazelnut, and Gano.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!

2008-01-27T20:25:00.000-08:00

It is a momentous day. Our beloved prophet has passed away and while listening to the broadcast celebrating his life, the testimonies being shared are amazing and truly touching. I am sure he will touch millions and millions even in his death. How many lives has he touched, how many people has he met (the sheer numbers must be ...) ?? I look forward to hearing more about his life, faith and service in the coming days, and while his loss is a tremendous loss to us, I am sure he couldn't be happier.

"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us.

In the words of the Lord to Joshua, brethren, “be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God [will be] with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Josh. 1:9)." - President Hinckley, April 2006 Conference Address

Quotable Quotes

2008-01-20T10:37:00.001-08:00

What type of food person are you? Do you let the potatoes touch your meat, and freak if your jello salad or ketchup touches anything (like me), or do you pile your food high on a plate (potatoes, salad, vegetables,even rolls!), basically all on top of each other because you figure it all reaches the same place at the end anyway (like David)? Well, last night I promised Ethan french toast for dinner. I cooked, cut, powdered sugared it and poured the syrup before the prayer. Ethan said the prayer, and while pulling all the french toast up the side of the plate, said, "Please bless the syrup won't slide down the plate", along with about one other thing. Anyone wonder what type of person he is??? Neither do do we :)

Quotable Quotes

2008-01-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

Ethan and I (and Ava) were in the car today driving, and Ethan said, "Who is he mama?" (said intently), and I said,"Who is who?" and he said "the guy singing... the guy said 'I just want you to know who I am.' " It was absolutely hilarious!!! I am sure many of you know that song - "and I don't want the world to see me, cuz I don't think that they'd understand, when everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am"- or something like that. Yes, I know I shouldn't go on the show "Don't forget the lyrics". Anyway, pretty funny!

New Years Resolutions

2008-01-01T13:03:00.001-08:00

Do you believe in them?? I definitely do. Anything to get me to do better than I am today is a step in the right direction (even if it only lasts a day), my only problem is that I think about them so long, I don't really set them, so if anyone has some really good ideas, let me know.

Also, since I like looking at pictures on other blogs, I wanted to add some more from Christmas time with our family. My sister-in-law always says "you want your boys sweet and your girls sassy" and Ava definitely has some sass- if you ever see her clapping in a picture, chances are it is for herself. She is as fun as she can be- kids are so great!

Welcome 2008!!!

2008-01-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you all, but does anyone not LOVE Christmas?!!! This vacation has been so amazing- ok, so Dave took two weeks off, and I think I am ready for him to retire! We took Ethan skiing last week and he did an amazing job. He kept getting mad at Dave for trying to help him, but then would be even more mad that Dave wasn't there to stop him right when he wanted him too- I think Ethan has a lot of faith in him and Dave was determined not to let that go unwarranted. Well, the second run I came with them on (4th run for Ethan), Ethan lost it- I mean really lost it- laying in the snow and crying, mad at everyone and everything and David had more patience than I could dream of having. Dave asked if he wanted to ski with me and Ethan said yes, and I said, "you know your Daddy is probably one of the best skiers on this mountain" and Ethan said "no, I am the best skier on the mountain"....at least he has confidence in his skiing abilities. They went again last week and he skied all he way down the hill with David behind him- like father like son!!! They had a fabulous time!

We also went to my brothers annual New Years Eve party - the food was far too good and I now know where Ava gets her eating abilities- ok, from both parents. They have fireworks and a pinyata for the kids every year, but can I say, for me it is painful to watch kids of different ages with a pinyata- how many kids end up crying every year?? Too many, but although Ethan only got like four pieces of candy last night he was so happy because he got m&m's for Ava- Ethan is an amazing brother.

Ava is as crazy as ever. She got a signing book for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Whisenant and has learned (kind of) to sign sleep- it is pretty funny. Also, he idea of dancing is to turn around and around and around until she is too dizzy to stand. And she gets up and does it over and over and over. I remember doing that to my friends's little brother when we were little, but i never saw him to it to himself. Ava claps for herself everytime she does it- in fact she claps for herself when she does most things :) Well, I hope all of your Christmas's were merry and bright, and that you get through January and February ok- after this week I will anxioudly be awaiting March!! Happy New Year!!

Back To Blogging!!!!

2007-12-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!!! Ok, so because of all the social pressure :), and a lot of admiration I have for all my blogger friends out there, I am once again attempting to keep a blog, and to keep it a bit up to date. Again, if you are the type to look at blogs twice a day to see what new posts there are, you will be sorely disappointed with mine, but hopefully I will get a few posts in on occasion.

We are just living in our little Howell Heaven. Ethan has been hugely into soccer and tells me daily that he and his soccer friends are having a "real soccer game" today and everyone is going to be there- All the moms and all the neighbors. I hate to let his little ego be smashed because I know that outside our little haven, NO ONE is going to show- not even the team. So we may attempt to put something together for some of you with four year old kids. He has been delightful lately. It is fun to watch him grow, to write his name and just seeing all that he is learning and how sweet he is to me.

Ava is... well, let's put it this way... everyone told me that girls were so much easier than boys in regards to their activity level. Ethan was always eating rocks, pulling the dirt out of plant pots, getting into grandma's laundry detergent... but Ava makes Ethan look tame. Ok, I am in the one year old stage, and I know everyone has been through it and just laughs, but I tell you, I don't remember it this way!!! Within the last week Ava has turned on the tub and filled it with 7 inches of water (where was her mom you may ask??? Washing the tupperware she put all over the floor) and through Ethans remote to his new tarantula in it. She has put his sippy cup of vanilla milk in the toilet, played in the toilet (I have way too much potty talk on this blog- I will try to clean that up) at the worst times, turned on the tub at least 75 times, emptied the dishwashing soap (thank goodness for individual packets) at least 17 times, eaten crayon of multiple colors, broken 3 ornaments, knocked down the Christmas tree, she plays in the garbage any time she can get to it ... but I have to say she is also as sweet as any little girl can be. She makes all of us feel like we are her favorite, and is so funny when she is being mischevious, that you can't even get mad at the little rascal.

Sorry this post is so long, it has been a while since I have written. I am also going to include a few pictures from what we have been up to to last - wow, 5 months. Ethan and Ava have each had birthdays, Halloween has come and gone as has Thanksgiving. Welcome to our crazy lives!!! Dave is still is still as active and busy busy busy- whether it is building snowmen with Ethan, being flattered by Ava's admiration of him, meetings, work, fixing things around the house playing soccer, he never seems to get tired. The other day I ran by him on the treadmill and was shocked by his average c 8.5-9.0 mile per hour pace- yikes!!! It made me tired just watching him. Well, here we are!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!

2007-07-23T08:46:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was David's birthday -the big 3-0 - and we pretty much spent the entire weekend celebrating. Saturday we went water-skiing and that night we went to a FABULOUS restaurant called Chef's Table. It was incredibly nice and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend the mushrooms for the appetizer and the butternut squash soup- they were both truly outstanding. Ava would definitely recommend the blackberry lemonade (she pretty much insisted on having her own and got it after her many screams). The only thing we definitely should have changed about the evening was to leave our kids home.

As wonderful as they both are, they were both cranky and tired from a long day, and there was not another person in the restaurant under the age of 18. It was a good experience for both of them though (just not for us)- the Chef and owner of the restaurant came over and sat by Ethan (while I was out with Ava) and asked him how his ice-cream was and what his favorite kind of ic-cream was wo which he replied ...Cookie Dough. The Chef said he would have to get some of that on his menu which I thought was very kind.

Lavell Edwards (BYU's legendary coach of 25 years when he retired) was also dining with his wife. If any of you know how I feel about BYU you will understand why I just stared at him in awe- he waved at Ava and talked to her from afar returning her firtations ever so cordially for probably 30 seconds. The staff was very kind and patient with us even though we were louder than the rest of the restaurant combined, and not in an enjoyable way.

Yesterday we had carmel apple french toast for breakfast, and Ethan and I decorated D's office at the church to surprise him (powerbars, gatorade and balloons. We went to his parent's for dinner. We had been getting ready and it was finally time for D to come in- we were all waiting with candles lit, crazy spray in our hands and lining the hallway and Ethan went to get David. Running back into the room and with pure concern in his voice (he was in charge of getting the birthday boy, he said, "Daddy is taking a dump"- there was no hiding it. Ahhh, I sure don't take the credit for teaching him that.

Then we topped off the evening with one chapter of Harry Potter. We bought it Saturday and D vowed not to start it until the middle of next week as he is so busy right now. We are now on chapter 4... oh well, it will probably be finished before his busy 7-10 days ends. As I like to say, it's all about priorities. Happy Birthday David!!! We sure love you!!!!

Quotes of the day

2007-07-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ethan: I need to dump
Mom: What?!? (dismayed)
Ethan: I need to dump, we don't say number 2 anymore, we say dump
Mom: Where did you learn that (need I ask)?
Ethan: Daddy

While I was "sleeping" this morning, Ethan and Daddy were in the bathroom, daddy was getting ready for the day. Their definition of being quiet is about a thousand decibels louder than what my definition would be, but I was trying to keep Ava asleep so I pretended to be asleep and I heard this snippet of their conversation.
Ethan: When I will get bigger I will be the daddy and you will be the grandpa!!! (Said with enthusiasm)
Daddy: You're right
Ethan: And I will name my boys Scale, Laura and Super hero
Ethan: And I will have an Ava, she will be my baby

Mama: So I don't know about going on that trip, I don't know who we could leave the kids with.
Ethan: Take me with you, leave Ava home
Daddy: Lookin' out for numbr one huh
Ethan: ...number one? What is number one?
Mommy: What do you think number one is Ethan
Ethan: Potty

Pretty funny, maybe just because I am the mom, but I thought it was funny.

Yesterday we went boating and Ethan went on the tube with daddy. Before he was not happy because I "guy he didn't know" got to two times waterskiing before Ethan could go on the tube. He was so funny with David and they had a great time together. Ethan stood up on the tube, stretched his arms out as far as they could go and opened his mouth wide. David had the same pose- crazies

From the mouth of babes

2007-07-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Mama: How did I get so lucky to get you as my boy?
Ethan: Jesus sent me

Ethan: I want to go to Yellowstone to get some ice-cream (I think he meant Coldstone, our neighbors are leaving on a trip to Yellowstone - I am sure Ethan thought it would be the best vacation ever)

Kids are so funny, they say the funniest things, I love it!!! I think I may start writing a quote of the day with kids quotes. Ok, probably Ethan's most of the time. We have had a great week. We went to Boondock's on Monday and then to the movie Ratatuille. Tuesday we went boating and did fireworks. Yesterday we went to the gym and then to a BBQ at my parents. Today we took D's car into two places (oil change, registration) and met friends at the gym (YAHOOO, Ethan and I both have friends there now!)- we have been busy and are exhausted, but it is so wonderful to have friends and family around that we just love to be with. I also love the 4th of July. For some reason I always love to look at the words of the third verse of "America for Beautiful"- it is true, "Who more than self their country loved"- I think that says it all. I love America, we truly are blessed.

PS- Oh for you bloggers out there (aka Amanda) I have some blogging questions for you when you get a minute :)

Sunshine Boy

2007-06-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Dave's mom always talks about David as the Christmas morning child. He gets up and is so happy like it is Christmas every morning. It is sweet, and I thought I wonder what that was really like? Well, Ethan has decided that he like to come up with the sun and is also Christmas morning boy!! He gets up about 5:50- 6:20 on most days and is so happy and sweet and wonderful. He will play with his toys on his own and let me sleep and then when he sees me stirring he comes and gives me a big hug and is so wonderful... and then 8:00 am comes around... He is already tired by 8 and wants to eat at 9:00 am- and that is lunch!!! Because breakfast was at 7 and he is hungry again by 9ish. He will fall asleep driving even if our destination is 2 miles away, and twice in just over a week, he has fallen asleep at 6 pm and slept through the night. He actually does surprisingly well most of the day, but oh, those other moments really keep me on my toes.

"Keep him up" you may suggest, but I have tried that- several nights in a row. Cardboard in the wondows, tinfoil in the windows, blanets in the windows, no sleep and no naps. I am obviously missing something. He never sleeps in later, even after 5 days in a row going to bed past 10 pm- he just crashes after several days of running on empty. "Christmas morning child?", he definitely is, but I wonder sometimes, "what about the rest of the day?"

The Center of the Universe

2007-06-17T20:59:00.000-07:00

Ethan was invited to a birthday party for Saturday and we also thought we may go water-skiing. It took an hour to get to the lake so he asked me what we were doing about the water-skiing/birthday party dilemma. I asked him what he wanted to do and he said, "We can drive to the lake and I can go water skiing and tubing with Grandpa, then Grandpa can take me back to the car, you can drive me to the birthday party and then you can drive back down to the lake. That sounds like a good plan." Needless to say, that wasn't the best plan, but I got a kick out of my sons honesty. At least he knows he is a priority in our lives, right?

Father's Day was also today. I was quite excited initially because I felt like I actually planned for it early and planned something that all would enjoy. We did a treasure hunt for D, and Ethan, Av, and D dressed up like pirates- ahoy matey!! I decided not to tell Ethan where all the clues were since he told D earlier in the week about the swim goggles we got him, but he really wanted the treasure to end up behind the couch, so I could not disappoint him. I stayed upstairs and let them search away. After D read the first clue (directing him ever so clearly to the lawnmowers in the garage) Ethan ran straight down the stairs, behind the couch and yelled "I found it, Peanut Butter Reeses" - to my astonishment, he had skipped all the clues and went straight to the treasure and I knew he had really found it because the Reeses were one of the few surprises Ethan did not know about. Ahhhh, the lessons we learn from these kids- do not trust them with any secrets!!!! Funny in my mind I thought my three year old would try to figure out these clues, but I need to think of things in his mind too- I guess we are all the center of our universe to some degree.

As for Father's Day I want to pay tribute to my D, who is truly an outstanding and wonderful Father (truly words can not describe). He loves our kids so much and uses his spare time to be with them (unlike me who needs alone time) - and really be with them. Ethan knows if he wants to play tag- go to Dad... or duck duck goose- Dad, again... soccer, basketball, pirates..., you guessed it, Dad. Thank you D for your patience, goodness and all you teach me and our little sweeties. We love you!

June 11, 2007

2007-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

What is a blog? Ok, so I have had several friends tell me how they have blogs over the past year and I have had such a great time browsing them I thought maybe I should create my own. There are so many things I want to remember, but thus far I have two journals for me (for different subjects), one for Ethan, I have searched for one for Ava, I have gratitude journals, thought books, etc. and I keep up on all of them...very (extrememly) poorly. So, I am going to try to replace them all by... yep, BLOGGING!!!

We'll see, this may be the only post I write- like ever- but it also may be somewhat successful. I don't expect much from myself yet, but I kind of have this hidden hope I can see this as the journal I have always wanted to write.

Ethan is a little hard to understand for many people. Most kids can understand him very well, and Dave and I have no problem understanding him, but a lot of adults have a hard time understanding a decent amount of what he says. The other day we were in the grocery store and we were behind a couple and Ethan said, "That lady looks like she has a big bum." I tried to tighten my smile into a straight face as to not encourage a repetitive phrase, and divert his attention to something else (I have learned from past experience), but at that point I was grateful it is still difficult for many people to understand him.

Ava is just an angel. Saturday I went through a bit of a tough spell trying to get ready for water-skiing. I thought I could get several things done before we left and found myself frantically trying to get Ava's diaper bag ready complete with sunscreen, bug repellant, warm clothes for the kids and me (just in case- yes, I know it was 90 degrees), bottles, snacks for Ava, snacks for Ethan, hats for everyone, sunglasses, lip balm, Dave's shin guard and gloves (ok, he really does that, but it sounds better) and still get myself ready while cookies were baking in the oven, and laundry was being done. Well, I kind of blew up...and then I looked at Ava and thought ... everyone needs a baby. Ava never judges me, she always loves me, she holds no grudges, and is never offended even when I don't share my drinks (she doesn't know the difference between apple juice and chocolate milk). I know I don't deserve this kind of treatment, but the fact that she gives it to me when I least deserves it, helps me want to be better. Maybe that is why we are told to become like a little child... Ethan is wonderful and sweet and fun, but I wonder now if becoming like a little child means like the tiniest of the tiny.